The International Protein Index: an integrated database for proteomics experiments

Despite the complete determination of the genome sequence of several higher eukaryotes, their proteomes remain relatively poorly defined. Information about proteins identified by different experimental and computational methods is stored in different databases, meaning that no single resource offers full coverage of known and predicted proteins. IPI (the International Protein Index) has been developed to address these issues and offers complete nonredundant data sets representing the human, mouse and rat proteomes, built from the Swiss-Prot, TrEMBL, Ensembl and RefSeq databases.     

Progress in Establishing Common Standards for Exchanging Proteomics Data: The Second Meeting of the HUPO Proteomics Standards Initiative

The Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) aims to define community standards for data representation in proteomics and to facilitate data comparison, exchange and verification. Rapid progress has been made in the development of common standards for data exchange in the fields of both mass spectrometry and protein-protein interactions since the first PSI meeting [1]. Both hardware and software manufacturers have agreed to work to ensure that a proteomics-specific extension is created for the emerging ASTM mass spectrometry standard and the data model for a proteomics experiment has advanced significantly. The Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) group expects to publish the Level 1 PSI data exchange format for protein-protein interactions by early summer this year, and discussion as to the additional content of Level 2 has been initiated.     

In-hospital resource utilization in coronary angioplasty: the impact of increased coronary stenting rates and antiplatelet therapy

BACKGROUND: The technique of coronary stenting has evolved over recent years, with improved stent technology and effective antiplatelet therapies to prevent stent thrombosis. In Europe, reductions in stent and equipment costs have resulted from increased market competition. The impact of these changes on the in-hospital procedural cost of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the current clinical setting is not known. METHODS: We compared the initial equipment and pharmaceutical costs of one hundred consecutive, unselected patients undergoing PCI in 1998 to a similar population who underwent PCI in 1994. RESULTS: Similar patient characteristics were noted, yet more complex disease (multivessel, AHA type B2/C lesions) was treated in the 1998 population. The stent utilization rate (83% vs 15%, p < 0.0001) and use of intravenous and/or oral antiplatelet therapy (abciximab, ticlopidine) (64% vs 4%, p < 0.0001) was higher in 1998. Similar angiographic success was achieved in each group with low complication rates. Mean hospital stay was reduced in the 1998 group (2.6 +/- 2.8 vs 4.3 +/- 3.8 days, p < 0.001). Repeat PCI was required more frequently in the 1994 population (26% vs 9%, p < 0.001). Overall there was no significant difference in the mean equipment cost between the two groups ( pound 1551 vs pound 1422, p=ns). CONCLUSION: Despite the widespread use of coronary stenting and antiplatelet therapies there appears to be no difference in current in-hospital equipment costs for PCI compared to 1994. Improved clinical outcomes in the 1998 population imply that stenting is a cost-effective therapy.     

The use of unlicensed bone marrow–derived platelet lysate–expanded mesenchymal stromal cells in colitis: a pre-clinical study

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising candidate for treatment of inflammatory disorders, but their efficacy in human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has been inconsistent. Comparing the results from various pre-clinical and clinical IBD studies is also challenging due to a large variation in study designs.

Responses of potential hosts of Asian cuckoos to experimental parasitism

In the arms race between avian brood parasites and their hosts, several adaptations and counter‐adaptations have evolved. The most prominent host defence is rejection of parasitic eggs. We experimentally parasitized nests of 10 potential host species breeding in sympatry with four different cuckoo species in an area in Bangladesh using differently coloured model eggs to test host responses. In four species we introduced both mimetic and non‐mimetic eggs. Black Drongos Dicrurus macrocercus, hosts of the Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus, rejected all model eggs. Common Mynas Acridotheres tristis and Jungle Babblers Turdoides striata accepted all eggs regardless of mimicry. These two species are parasitized by Asian Koels Eudynamys scolopaceus, Common Hawk‐cuckoo Hierococcyx varius and, in the case of Jungle Babblers, Jacobin Cuckoos Clamator jacobinus. Pied Mynas Gracupica contra, with no records of parasitism in our study area, also accepted all eggs regardless of mimicry. In the six remaining species, all of which lay spotted eggs, we introduced only non‐mimetic eggs. Black‐hooded Orioles Oriolus xanthornus rejected all model eggs, even though we have found no records of natural parasitism. Long‐tailed Shrikes Lanius schach and House Crows Corvus splendens, hosts of Asian Koels, rejected 75 and 9.1% of model eggs, respectively. Large‐billed Crows Corvus macrorhynchos, apparently not used as hosts in our study area, accepted all blue but rejected all brown model eggs. Oriental Magpie‐Robins Copsychus saularis and Red‐vented Bulbuls Pycnonotus cafer accepted all non‐mimetic model eggs. In Black Drongos, Long‐tailed Shrikes and Black‐hooded Orioles, all model eggs were ejected within 24 h of introduction. The results show considerable variation in egg rejection rates among various species, providing baseline data for further investigation of co‐evolutionary interactions between brood parasites and hosts in this region.     

Vocal cues to male androgen levels in giant pandas

Little is known about the potential of non-human mammal vocalizations to signal information on the hormonal status of the caller. In the current study, we used endocrine data and acoustic analyses to determine whether male giant panda bleats provide reliable information about the caller''s current androgen levels. Our results revealed significant relationships between acoustic features of male giant panda bleats and the caller''s faecal androgen metabolite concentrations. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first demonstration that the acoustic structure of a non-human mammal call has the potential to yield information about the caller''s current androgen levels. We go on to discuss the anatomical basis for our findings and the potential functional relevance of signalling information on male androgen levels in giant panda sexual communication.